Blog

Extracurricular clubs have become a staple of CitySquash’s normal programming, and clubs offered have included Art Club, Music Club, Game Club and more. When CitySquash transitioned to virtual programming as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, two of our dedicated mentors, Stephanie & Ali Butera, came up with a plan to continue offering clubs to CitySquash team members virtually! With the help of Ali and Stephanie, mentors to Malika (7th grade) and Stephany (6th grade) respectively, we have been able to add Activity Club to our weekly schedule, and continue to provide team members with a creative outlet during this difficult time. Stephanie & Ali help plan easy, arts-based DIY projects on a weekly basis that require very few materials so all team members can participate at home. Projects have included making fortune-tellers and origami figures. A portion of Activity Club is also dedicated to thanking those working on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis. Students have written thank you letters to workers at City Meals on Wheels who are continuing to deliver food to the elderly, and to doctors and nurses at Jacobi Medical Center. See below for photos from Activity Club and a huge thanks to Stephanie & Ali Butera for making Activity Club possible!

CitySquash team member Caleb Boateng received the US Squash Junior Sportsmanship Honorable Mention Award for the 2019-2020 junior squash season in the BU17 division. Caleb was one of 20 juniors recognized across all divisions for displaying outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season.

Caleb joined CitySquash in 2011 as a 3rd grader, and is currently a sophomore at the Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT. The level of sportsmanship, respect, and love for the sport that Caleb shows at every practice and match has always been an inspiration to his younger teammates. When asked to define good sportsmanship, Caleb shared, “good sportsmanship in any sports is playing the sport. At the end of the day, it’s not about what your opponent does, but it’s you against the ball.” Caleb added, “Sportsmanship is important to me because I know that others watch how everyone acts on court, and my behavior on court reflects not only myself but also my family and CitySquash. It’s important to keep your composure and set a good example for others, especially for younger players.”

CitySquash is thrilled to congratulate Caleb and his family on this great accomplishment!

Picture above: Caleb on his way to a CitySquash practice at Fordham University